Wyoming
World famous grizzly bear killed in Wyoming vehicle strike
A world famous grizzly bear at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was killed by a vehicle, according to officials on Wednesday.
The female grizzly, known as No. 399, was an extremely popular figure in the park, attracting nature photographers and wildlife fans from across the country. The grizzly was confirmed dead on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday night in Jackson, Wyoming.
What We Know About the Collision
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that the grizzly bear was fatally struck by a car south of Jackson on Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon, and the bear’s identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.
In addition, according to the agency, the bear had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts were unknown as of Wednesday morning.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the Service is monitoring the area,” the news release from the agency added.
While vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon, the FWS is working with state and local agencies to gather more information.
“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
George Frey/Getty Images
What We Know About Grizzly 399
Grizzly 399 became famous for raising numerous cubs close to the park’s roads, allowing visitors a rare glimpse of a mother bear in her natural habitat. Over the years, she earned a devoted following with her life documented across social media and even celebrated in a book and featured in a PBS nature episode, making her a symbol of the park’s wildlife and the larger conservation efforts in the Rockies.
“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” Chip Jenkins, Grand Teton National Park superintendent said in a press release. “Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed.”
Grizzly Bear Deaths Due to Collisions
The bear’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers that wildlife faces near human activity. Despite ongoing efforts to protect these animals within national park boundaries, park authorities continue to advocate for safe driving practices to help prevent further tragic losses of wildlife.
In addition, this is not the first time 399’s family has been hit by a vehicle.
Grizzly 610, an offspring of 399, had a scare in October 2023 when the bear was apparently struck by a semitruck and laid injured by the roadside for hours while her cubs watched from a distance. She later appeared to fully recover on her own and rejoined her cubs.
According to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from 2009-2023 with an average number of 3.3. grizzly bear deaths per year.
In 2024, including this incident, there have been two grizzly bear deaths from vehicle strikes in the GYE.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Sheridan will play in the North Regional Tournament at Gillette, while the South Regional Tournament will be played at Rock Springs.
North Regional Tournament at Gillette:
Checking record vs. highest team in the quadrant not involved in the tie, Thunder Basin gets the #1 Northeast seed over Campbell County, because the Lady Bolts went 3-1 vs. Sheridan, whereas the Lady Camels went 2-2.
Friday, May 15th:
(#1 NE) Thunder Basin vs. (#4 NW) Jackson – 11am
(#2 NW) Natrona County vs. (#3 NE) Sheridan – 11am
(#2 NE) Campbell County vs. (#3 NW) Kelly Walsh – 1pm
(#1 NW) Cody vs. (#4 NE) Worland – 1pm
Semi-Finals:
Thunder Basin/Jackson winner vs. Natrona County/Sheridan winner – 3pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Campbell County/Kelly Walsh winner vs. Cody/Worland winner – 5pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Consolation Round:
Thunder Basin/Jackson loser vs. Natrona County/Sheridan loser – 3pm LOSER OUT!
Campbell County/Kelly Walsh loser vs. Cody/Worland loser – 5pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, May 16th:
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
2 10am winners vs. each other – 1pm 3rd Place
TBA vs. TBA – 1pm 1st Place
South Regional Tournament at Rock Springs:
Friday, May 15th:
(#1 SW) Laramie vs. (#4 SE) Torrington – 11am
(#2 SE) Cheyenne East vs. (#3 SW) Green River – 11am
(#2 SW) Rock Springs vs. (#3 SE) Wheatland – 1pm
(#1 SE) Cheyenne Central vs. (#4 SW) Cheyenne South – 1pm
Semi-Finals:
Laramie/Torrington winner vs. Cheyenne East/Green River winner – 3pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Rock Springs/Wheatland winner vs. Cheyenne Central/Cheyenne South winner – 5pm Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
Consolation Round:
Laramie/Torrington loser vs. Cheyenne East/Green River loser – 3pm LOSER OUT!
Rock Springs/Wheatland loser vs. Cheyenne Central/Cheyenne South loser – 5pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, May 16th:
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
TBA vs. TBA – 10am LOSER OUT! Winner qualifies for the state tournament.
2 10am winners vs. each other – 1pm 3rd Place
TBA vs. TBA – 1pm 1st Place
CASPER, Wyo. — Jackson resident Rebecca Bextel has announced her candidacy for governor, seeking the nomination of the Constitution Party.
Bextel, a small business owner, framed her campaign as a challenge to the established political system in Wyoming. She said she intends to provide a conservative alternative for voters who believe the Republican primary often favors candidates who compromise on their principles.
“My run for Governor as the Constitution Party candidate aims to allow conservatives two lanes for the same race, just like the Democrats,” Bextel said in a statement.
Her platform prioritizes energy production, Second Amendment rights, school choice and efforts to reduce government regulation. Bextel also emphasized a focus on election integrity, calling for voter identification requirements and increased transparency.
The announcement comes on the heels of a controversy during the 2026 legislative budget session in Cheyenne. In February, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted unanimously to form a special committee to investigate Bextel’s actions after she handed out campaign donation checks to several lawmakers on the House floor.
Bextel acknowledged delivering the checks, which she said were from a Teton County donor. She maintained there was no wrongdoing in “delivering lawful campaign checks” while at the Capitol. Legislators initiated the inquiry to determine if the actions violated the state constitution or constituted legislative misconduct.
While Wyoming House investigators cleared lawmakers of wrongdoing, Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s parallel investigation was still ongoing as of April.
Bextel previously served as a precinct committee person and state committeewoman within the Republican Party. She unsuccessfully sought the top leadership position of the Wyoming Republican Party last year. She said her decision to join the Constitution Party arose from her observations of political insiders and party machinery in Cheyenne.
The Constitution Party plans to hold a state convention on June 18 and 19 to nominate candidates for the general election ballot.
Others filing to take the seat Gov. Mark Gordon is vacating include Sheridan resident Gabriel Green, a Democrat, and Republicans Brent Bien, Sen. Eric Barlow and State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder. A fourth Republican, Joseph Kibler, withdrew his announced candidacy in April.
The primary election is set for Aug. 18. The general election will be Nov. 3.
Related
It is the last week of the 2026 regular season for Class 3A girls’ and boys’ soccer teams in the Cowboy State. Only the top four from each conference will advance to next week’s state tournament in Gillette. These last regular-season matches could impact where teams finish in the league standings. That would shape the first-round matches at the state tournament. The week begins with a rescheduled girls’ match from an earlier postponement. The rest of the slate is Thursday through Saturday.
WYOPREPS WEEK 9 CLASS 3A BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE 2026
Here are the 3A matches on the schedule for Week 9. Schedules are subject to change.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Girls:
Final Score: Rawlins 5 Pinedale 0
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Girls:
Final Score: #5 Mountain View 7 Pinedale 0 (conference match)
Boys:
Final Score: #5 Mountain View 3 Pinedale 0 (conference match)
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Girls:
Lyman at #3 Lander, 3 p.m. (conference match)
Boys:
Lyman at #2 Lander, 5 p.m. (conference match)
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Girls:
Rawlins at Douglas, 3 p.m. (conference match)
#1 Cody at #2 Powell, 4 p.m. (conference match)
Worland at #4 Buffalo, 4 p.m. (conference match)
Newcastle at Torrington, 6 p.m. (conference match)
Boys:
Rawlins at Douglas, 5 p.m. (conference match)
#4 Worland at #2 Buffalo, 6 p.m. (conference match)
Final Score: Torrington 1 Newcastle 0 (conference match) – forfeit win for the Blazers.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Girls:
#3 Lander at #5 Mountain View, 11 a.m. (conference match)
Pinedale at Lyman, noon (conference match)
Boys:
#2 Lander at #5 Mountain View, 1 p.m. (conference match)
Pinedale at Lyman, 2 p.m. (conference match)
2026 Glen Legler Early Bird Track Meet
Athletes competed in Casper at NCHS during Week 2 of the 2026 season in the Glen Legler Early Bird Invite.
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Shannon Dutcher
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